My Christmas List.
Thought about calling this blog 5 Top Tips for Christmas Gifts....but it's more than 5 tips.
It's really a list of things I try to do every Christmas to make the gift giving craziness a little bit easier.
Sometimes it works, sometimes I forget. If I write them down here we both have a better chance of following along and having a great Merry Christmas.
TIP 1 - Start in October.
Yes this one is very tongue in cheek.
We all know that the earlier you start the less work you have to do when December hits.
Every year I plan to start earlier and every year I find myself on December 1st thinking - hmmm, this is going to be a lot.
So maybe next year we try thins one? Maybe we set a reminder on the phone for September 30 - Please start now! You wont have time in December.- from last year me,
TIP 2 - Make a List and Check it twice.
This one even has its own song!
He's making a list and checking it twice. Now Santa was checking if the children were naughty or nice, but we have a tougher job!
We are making a list of all the people we love. A list of all the people who we are being Santa for, and then picking the best gift for them.
I think the tricky part on this list is picking the right gift. We have a blog here to Help you Find the Perfect Gift
And making sure you have an 'equal amount' That's still a thing with siblings isn't it. I remember my sister and I surely said the words - she got more than me - at least one Christmas each.
TIP 3 - Choose a Small Business to shop with. (wink)
When you shop from a Small Business, thank you. You are contributing to the local economy and helping to save us from the big faceless corporations.
So there is a feel good for you, and a happy dance for them.
You also have the knowledge that they are selecting quality toys and gifts, because when you're the business you put in that extra effort to have the best.
TIP 4 - Track it.
There is not much that is more frustrating than missing a parcel and it gets returned!
We suggest making a list, in your notes on your phone, on a piece of paper in your wallet, in your diary, in a fancy spreadsheet with your gift list. Wherever you choose.
Just make sure you know what is coming and check that tracking!
TIP 5 - Check the delivery
So many deliveries so little time! I know. You don't want little eyes to see the fun things!
It is important that you hide in a cupboard or wait until they are finally in bed..and you open your deliveries.
Why? Well you need to check what you’ve received. Just in case it’s not what you expected. Accidents happen, sometimes the wrong thing is sent, or some businesses refund an out-of-stock item without notification (not us!)
Or the item might simply be bigger than you thought or a different style.
TIP 6 - Gift Wrapping Done right!
Make sure you have your supplies. You know this, but how many times have you run out of sticky tape?
If you are gift wrapping all at once remember to stretch, I do this by getting up and getting chocolate or another drink. Works well.
Or let us gift wrap them for you! Add Gift Wrapping to your order.
TIP 7 - Remember
If you order click and collect, don’t forget to collect!!
Funny but we hear it all the time!
TIP 8 - Hiding Places
Thinking long-term, If you have a messy house, the kids won’t notice if there’s an extra stray box hanging around. That one has worked for me for years and years.
Hiding place suggestions
Laundry
Under the tea towels
Linen cupboard.
Generally, anywhere that you go to complete a chore. ( this often works for husbands too)
We hope you have a fabulous day, whether you are at the beach, with family, camping, eating roast or a BBQ.
And always remember, there is more to the fun than gifts. There is also food!
Thanks for playing with us.
- Helle.
Helle is the owner and head toy lover at Lucas loves cars. She has been playing with toys professionally since 2012, and still hasn't got it quite right, so will continue to play for a while yet.
